I have reservations about beautyblender and until recently was quite content using Bobbi Brown brushes. It seems like everyone who's anyone (worth taking beauty advice from) uses the beautyblender, so I decided to give it a try and you know me - I don't half ass anything! I purchased two beautyblender's (pro and pure), beautyblender micro.mini and the blotterazzi. 

The blotterazzi is a reusable oil absorbing sponge. There are two pink sponges inside the plastic mirrored compact. The water drop shaped compact has a vent at the back and a clear, hygienic separator to keep the sponges fresh. I couldn't figure out if I was meant to carry both sponges or just one. I decided one is enough and keep the hygienic film on top, so the residue doesn't get on the mirror. After all, you should wash the sponge each night and I can't imagine producing enough oil to soak both sponges in one day! Oh, and these sponges should be washed prior to the first use (very important). 

The unique shape (a flat version of the beautyblender) allows you to blot the contours of your face with ease. Just press and hold for a second. Compared to blotting papers, this sponge is much easier to use. Your makeup will not come off on the sponge and I find it allows you re-set your makeup. If you have oily skin, you know that makeup separates throughout the day and while traditional blotting papers pick-up oil, they don't help with this issue. As your pressing and holding this squishy sponge against your face, kinda give it a wiggle to diminish makeup separation. The blotterazzi does remove quite a bit of oil from your face, but it is not as affective as blotting papers. You are still left with a little glow and if you want a matte result, this is not the product for you. While the original beautyblender may be a tiny bit more dense, these sponges are the same material, so I suggest using your 'dry' beautyblender to remove your facial oil and see if you like the result before purchasing the blotterazzi. 

I will continue to use the blotterazzi, but on those super oily days, I'm going back to blotting papers. On that note, I don't think I would re-purchase this product. I still have not mastered the original beautyblender, but will get back to you soon with my review..

There are eight masks in Sephora's eye mask line; each with different skin benefits. The pomegranate eye mask awakens and tones the under eye area while reducing signs of fatigue. My 'vacation diet' (too much salt and vino), has left my eyes puffy and tired looking, so I purchased the pomegranate eye mask and used it this morning. The packaging is nice and the application easy. There is a lot of serum on each mask, so I gently squeezed a little off - otherwise, it would be running down my face. The masks are a great shape and cover the under eye area, as well as around the outer side of your eye, all the way up to your brows. The mask stayed put and felt very refreshing. There is a subtle scent of pomegranate (love that scent). After 15 minutes, I removed the masks and gently rubbed the remaining serum onto my skin. There was a lot of serum left in the packet, so I applied a little more to my under eye area and on my lids (I don't like to waste). 

I have rosacea and while the mask did not have harsh effects on my under eye area (no rosacea there), my upper cheeks and the outer sides of eyes turned very red and slightly burned. It is not uncommon for my skin to react to cosmetics, so I don't see this reaction as a bad thing. On a 'brighter' note, the pomegranate eye masks left my under eye area feeling tight and reduced the puffiness significantly. I will definitely purchase other masks in this line and post about them soon..

I'd been anticipating the January launch of Bobbi Brown Beauty-Boosting Face Masks, and despite my many trips to the BB counter in Amsterdam was left empty-handed and wondering, what's all the hype? I practically had butterflies when I saw them on display in Harrods a few weeks ago. Yes, I'm that ridiculous! Lets 'face' it, every product Bobbi Brown releases is great - you can't go wrong with this premiere cosmetic line. It's no surprise that I purchased all three masks. I would have purchased the mini's too, but they didn't have them (insert sad face).

I'm branding these masks - The Miraculous Makeover Mask Trio. Instant Detox, Radiance Boost and Skin Nourish can be used together or individually to address your specific needs. I have overdosed on all three and love the results.

The Instant Detox is my favorite. This clay-based mask is creamy, has a refreshing citrus scent and kinda cools your skin while you detox. Hawaiian Sea Salt Water and Amazonian White Clay work together to remove impurities, reduce pore size and maintain moisture. This mask will leave you feeling refreshed and super clean. The Instant Detox deep cleanse removes excess oil, tightens my skin and my complexion looks AMAZING! I use the Instant Detox in the center of my forehead, down my nose, on my cheeks and chin. At the same time, I apply the Skin Nourish around my eye area (not too close to the eye), around the edges of my nose (where it gets super dry and flaky), and around my eyebrows (they're dry from Browfood - a hair growth treatment). Combined, these masks address both my skin issues at once. This deep cleanse/nourishing treatment is my favorite facial pick-me-up.

I also use the Skin Nourish twice a week before bed. This super-moisturizing mask contains hydrating herbs Coral Grass, Salicornia, and Trehalose, Collagen producing Chlorella Extract, and Muru Muru Butter to repair your skin's natural moisture barrier. This lightweight mask is creamy, the scent is calming, and I love a mask that you can leave-on throughout the night. Apply liberally and wait two-five minutes. Then gently remove the excess product and massage the remaining onto your skin. In the morning you will have plump smooth, nourished skin.

The superfine Walnut Grain Beads in Radiance Boost, gently exfoliate your skin and improve circulation. While the Kaolin Clay reduces oil, Algae Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate moisturize your skin, and Orange Oil energizes. I have Rosacea, and very sensitive skin, so I'm not surprised that this gentle exfoliator causes my forehead, nose and cheeks to turn red. Once the redness diminishes, my skin feels super-tight (I like that), and my complexion is brighter. The orange scent is invigorating - I'm partial to citrus scents in facial care cosmetics. 

Directions: Instant Detox can be used once a week (or two if necessary). Apply, allow two-five minutes to pass and remove with warm water. Skin Nourish can be used three times a week. Apply, wait two-five minutes, gently remove access and leave the remaining product for overnight nourishing. Radiance Boost can be used once a week (or two if necessary). Apply, let it sit for two-five minutes and rinse off with warm water while gently massaging in circular motions.  

The application of these masks is quick, but the results last. I should mention that the packaging is great. The metal-like tubes are flexible and you can roll them up, allowing you to get as much product out as possible. 

I mentioned in a recent Make Up For Ever product review that I have a new addiction to falsies and have been buying many styles from major brands. So far, Make Up For Ever false lashes reign supreme. My favorite is Lash Show Natural Impact N-402. These winged false lashes sit on the outer half of your natural lashes and give you a little lash-boost, while creating a subtle cat eye effect. I have very long natural eyelashes and really only need volume. N-402 is just enough volume and drama for everyday wear. These reusable lashes are expensive but can be worn many times if you take care of them. A mini Make Up For Ever glue is included in every box. The precision applicator is fool-proof and the glue is safe for sensitive eyes. False lashes tip: let the glue dry a little (get tacky) before applying the lashes. Wet glue will cause them to slide around while you're positioning them.

I don't like a lot of eye makeup (on me) and wear my false lashes with no eyeliner. If you get up super close to my face, you'll probably notice, but from a distance, it looks good. You gotta remember to get as close to the lash line as possible and precision application is necessary. This particular style does not have a solid band, which makes it more difficult to hide. For a no-liner look, other styles with solid bands may be more suitable. This style is however easy to apply because it is half the length of your lash line and goes on with ease.

Make Up For Ever false lashes sit on a flexible band, that allows for easy application. The lashes are long, fine and depending which style, may even look natural. There are currently 49 Make Up For Ever false lash styles to choose from and definitely one that will suit your eyelash needs. Stay tuned for more false lashes reviews..

Formula X CLIX! are quads that hold four mini nail polish, serums or cuticle oil (depending on the prescription). Each prescription restores your nails of common nail issues. 

The Strengthening Prescription includes a Prime Strength base coat, Sheer Strength nail color in 'Wondrous' (sheer pink porcelain), Shine Strength top coat, and Quench cuticle oil. The base coat is a sheer white shade infused with ceramic, which strengthens your nails and creates a clean base for your color. The sheer pink color of the nail polish (step two), is very subtle and atop the pearl color, gives you a pearly-pink shade. The gel-like top coat is quite thick, but goes on easy and creates a shield against external damaging and staining. Pale pink shades are my favourite, but when I wash my hair the black die turns my nails a smokey, pinkish/gray. I'm impressed with this top coat and its ability shield from the dye. I'll go through this mini bottle of top coat quickly!

Allow each of the three coats to dry completely, before applying the next. Once your nails are completely dry, apply the cuticle oil with the mini doe foot applicator. I'm a big fan cuticle oil - it's an instant manicure when you don't have time to get your cuticles treated. This oil is incredibly thin, compared to others I've used, and absorbs quickly. Downside - the 'nail polish' scent is not great for daily use (as recommended). 

It's been three days since I applied The Strengthening Prescription and my nails still look fairly good. Aside from minor chipping, the color remains and my nails feel a little harder than usual. This nail treatment process was fairly quick and easy. Cause the CLIX! quad is so small, this is a great on-the-go treatment when travelling.

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox De-Puffing Eye-Cubes kinda have a bad rap, but it seems like most people bypassed the directions and are using the cubes all wrong. We'll get to the process in a sec. These little cubes contain cucumber extract to soothe your under eye area, arnica which is commonly used to reduce swelling, green tea (my number go-to beauty ingredient), chamomile - a rich source of antioxidants which combat inflammation, aloe to soften and soothe your skin, caffeine which increases blood circulation (reducing dark circles), and hyaluronic acid used to retain moisture. Basically, these little cubes are a powerhouse of beneficial skin care ingredients. 

Due to the high cost, I waited until my eyes were looking a little rough (too much salt and vino the night before). There are six cubes and six pouches for $50. The swelling went down dramatically, which I'm sure is due to the ingredients, but also due to the frozen aspect. Applying very cold tools, ice cubes or cold water will reduce under eye puffiness. My under eye area looked brighter and felt tight - I like that! The cucumber scent is refreshing and the solution is light, like a serum. 

The process, however, is a little messy, but not as bad as everyone says. Most importantly, application is meant to be done while standing. Freeze the cubes, place one in a pouch (one for both eyes) and gently massage your under eye area in circular motions. Go back and forth between both eyes in 10-15 second intervals for a max of two minutes. *You don't want to freeze your under eye area. The solution will run down your face, so keep a kleenex nearby. Once the cubes have almost melted, discard the remaining amount, and gently pat the solution onto your skin. Wait for it to absorb (about three minutes) and rinse with cold water. It does get super sticky after drying, so allow yourself six minutes for application, absorption and rinsing. I know it seems like a lot, but it is very refreshing and a quick under-eye pick-me-up. I'm a fan!